Defence services
DVA Support & Resources
Transitioning from Defence can be challenging, and finding the right support isn’t always easy. To help make the process simpler, we’ve compiled a range of trusted organisations, services, and resources that specialise in supporting veterans and their families.
Whether you’re navigating DVA claims, seeking wellbeing support, exploring employment opportunities, or looking for financial guidance, these organisations are dedicated to helping the veteran community access the assistance they need.
DVA Support
March Out was founded by veterans, for veterans, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges that can arise during the transition from military to civilian life.
Dedicated to supporting veterans and their families, the team at March Out provides guidance, connection, and practical support during what can often be one of the most challenging periods of service life. Their lived experience and veteran-first approach ensure that individuals receive support from people who truly understand the transition journey.
If you or someone you know requires assistance navigating the transition from Defence, you can contact March Out using the details below:
Website: https://marchout.com.au/
Email: admin@marchout.com.au
Open Arms was originally established by Australian Vietnam veterans and has grown to become Australia’s leading provider of mental health support and counselling services for veterans and their families.
With a strong understanding of the unique challenges associated with military service and transition, Open Arms provides free and confidential support to current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force, as well as their immediate families.
Their services include mental health assessment, counselling, crisis support, group programs, and a range of wellbeing services designed to support the veteran community at every stage of life.
Open Arms is available to anyone who has served in the ADF and their immediate family members, offering support through services such as:
You can contact Open Arms using the details below:
Website: https://www.openarms.gov.au/
24-hour support line: 1800 011 046
Whether you require immediate support, counselling services, or assistance navigating available programs, the Open Arms team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support veterans and their families.
Wounded Heroes Australia is a national Defence community organisation providing immediate practical support to current and former Australian Defence Force members, veterans and their families experiencing hardship or crisis.
With a focus on responding quickly when support is needed most, Wounded Heroes Australia assists veterans and families experiencing financial hardship, homelessness or risk of homelessness, food insecurity, and family and domestic violence. Their approach is centred around responding to immediate needs, stabilising the situation and connecting people with appropriate ongoing support.
Their services include:
Emergency financial assistance
Food and fuel assistance
Family and domestic violence support
Referrals and connections to other support services
You can contact Wounded Heroes Australia using the details below:
Website: https://www.woundedheroes.org.au/
24-hour crisis support line: 1300 532 112
Wounded Heroes Australia is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to provide crisis support to current and former serving ADF members, veterans and their families across Australia.
Bravery Trust is a national military charity providing financial support to current and former serving members of the Australian Defence Force and their immediate families who are experiencing financial hardship. Their services are free, confidential and independent of the ADF.
With a strong understanding of the unique financial challenges faced by veterans and their families, Bravery Trust provides practical assistance to help people manage immediate financial pressures while building confidence and skills for a more financially sustainable future.
Their services include:
Assistance with food, fuel and utility bills
Support with rent, bond and housing-related costs
Assistance with medical, education and motor vehicle expenses
Referrals and connections to other support services
You can contact Bravery Trust using the details below:
Website: https://braverytrust.org.au/
Support line: 1800 BRAVERY (1800 272 837)
Email: ask@braverytrust.org.au
Whether you need immediate financial assistance, support managing financial hardship, or help understanding your financial options, the Bravery Trust team provides free and confidential support to current and ex-serving ADF members and their immediate families.
Additional Support
St Vincent de Paul Society Queensland (Vinnies) provides practical support to individuals and families experiencing hardship or difficult circumstances across Queensland. Their services are available to people from all backgrounds and are designed to provide assistance, support and pathways to help people get back on track.
Vinnies provides a range of support services, with assistance varying depending on your location and circumstances. Their services include:
Food and essential items
You can contact Vinnies Queensland using the details below:
Website: https://www.vinnies.org.au/qld/find-help
Assistance line: 1800 846 643
Vinnies Queensland provides support across the state, with eligibility and available services determined by individual circumstances and local availability. If you or your family are experiencing financial hardship, housing difficulties or another challenging situation, the Vinnies team can help you explore the support available in your area.
NOTCH (North Townsville Community Hub) is a local community organisation supporting individuals and families across Townsville’s Northern Beaches. NOTCH provides a welcoming place for community connection, practical assistance and access to information and support services.
With a focus on helping people through times of hardship and connecting the community with local services, NOTCH provides support for people experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, social isolation and other challenging circumstances.
Their services include:
Emergency relief and financial hardship support
Food assistance and community food programs
Information, referrals and connections to local services
You can contact NOTCH using the details below:
Website: https://www.notch.org.au/
Phone: (07) 4751 6511
Email: reception@notch.org.au
Address: 52 Palm Drive, Deeragun, QLD 4818
Whether you need assistance during a period of financial hardship, access to food, help connecting with local services or simply a place to connect with your community, NOTCH provides a range of practical support programs for people living in the Townsville Northern Beaches community.
DVA Resources
DVA Website
Find support and services for veterans and families of veterans
Home | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Access benefits
What supports can Veterans access?
Access benefits | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
DVA Pensions and payments
Income support covers a range of payments and benefits that you and your family can access. The support can include regular payments as well as extra allowances to top up your income.
Pensions and payments | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Veteran Cards
Learn about Veteran Card benefits and eligibility
Veteran Card | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
DVA Gold Card Concessions
DVA Ready Reckoners
DVA have calculated how different levels of assets and income will affect pension rates, and by how much. They publish these amounts in tables, called ready reckoners. Use the ready reckoners that apply to your situation.
Ready reckoners | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Find DVA Forms
Find forms | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Claim and compensation for illness or injury
Information on how to let DVA know if you have an injury or health condition that relates to your service. You need to submit a claim to access medical care and other support. Apply for extra compensation if your injury or health condition caused permanent impairment.
Claims and compensation for illness or injury | Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Australia Post Concessions
RSL Australia
Connect with your state branch for more information on the services and programs you can access
Veteran Support & Services — RSL Australia
